iOS 5 Release Date: Top Reasons to Upgrade to Apple's iOS 5 (PHOTOS)

Apple's latest operating system iOS 5 has been recently released with hundreds of new features. Current iOS owners can download the free upgrade from the iTunes Store. Here are some top upgrades.

iOS 5 is offering users more than 200 new features that make iOS devices easier to use and is set to be compatible with the iPod Touch, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and the iPhone 4S.

According to tech gurus, some top reasons for users to upgrade to Apple iOS 5 include: iCloud, Notifications Center, iMessage, Wi-Fi Syncing and Photos.

iCloud: The new operating system will be the first to run Apple’s new iCloud service. iCloud allows users to store their content and wirelessly push it into all their Apple devices.

(Photo: Reuters)

Apple Founder Steve Jobs

Notification Centers: The notifications centers enable users to keep track of email, texts, friends requests and more. The incoming messages appear briefly at the top without interrupting user`s activity on the phone.

(Photo: Reuters)

Scott Forstall talks about iOS5 for the iPhone at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco.

iMessages: The new iOS replaced the Messages app with iMessages. iMessages is a messaging service that allows users to send unlimited text messages via Wi-Fi or 3G from their iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to anyone that also has those devices.

(Photo: Reuters)

Reuters Apple VP of iPhone Software Scott Forstall

Photos: The software now includes more photo enhancement features that allow a person to crop, rotate, and enhance photos without have to leave the Photo app, and he or she can even organizie photos into albums right on the device.

(Photo: Reuters)

Reuters Apple VP of iPhone Software Scott Forstall

Wi-Fi Syncing: Apple is now allowing users to download software updates directly to their devices, meaning PC's are no longer needed. Users can set up their devices wirelessly and everything can be backed up and restored from the iCloud feature.